MX23RW : Thursday, January 9 00:40:22| >> :60:3499:3499:

Preview: Juventus vs. Chelsea

Preview: Juventus vs. Chelsea
© PA Photos
Sports Mole previews the crucial Champions League fixture between holders Chelsea and Italian outfit Juventus.

Just one point separates group leaders Chelsea and their hosts tomorrow night Juventus heading into this Champions League encounter.

As a result, the loser of this tie is likely to face elimination from the competition at the group stages with just one more match remaining.

Any success that Juve are able to achieve will have to be done without the services of the striker Mirko Vucinic, who is struggling with a knee problem.

However, Andrea Pirlo is expected to return to their starting lineup following a domestic suspension. Pirlo's inclusion is likely to see former Manchester United youngster Paul Pogba drop down to the bench.

Chelsea's major selection dilemma surrounds the centre-forward position. Head coach Roberto Di Matteo has hinted that he is considering dropping Fernando Torres, with Daniel Sturridge tipped to benefit.

Captain John Terry and Frank Lampard are ruled out of the clash through injury though.

Juve have won 12 of their last 20 meetings against English opposition, although they have only emerged victorious from just one of the previous six.

Meanwhile, the Blues have only won once from eight visits to Italy.

Recent form

Juventus: DWWLW

Chelsea: LDWDW

Possible starting lineups:

Juventus: Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Marchisio, Pirlo, Vidal, Isla; Giovinco; Quagliarella

Chelsea: Cech; Ivanovic, Cahill, Luiz, Cole; Mikel, Ramires, Mata, Oscar, Hazard; Sturridge

Sports Mole says: 1-1


ID:55347: cacheID:55347:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:3825:
Written by
Liam Apicella
No Data Analysis info

Previews by email

Click here to get Sports Mole's daily email of previews and predictions for every major game!


Restore Data
Share this article now:
Fernando Torres in action for Chelsea
Read Next:
Di Matteo: 'Torres could be dropped'
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool19144147192846
2Arsenal20117239182140
3Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest20124429191040
4Chelsea20106439241536
5Newcastle UnitedNewcastle20105534221235
6Manchester CityMan City2010463627934
7Bournemouth209653023733
8Aston Villa209563032-232
9Fulham207943027330
10Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton2061043029128
11Brentford208393835327
12Tottenham HotspurSpurs20731042301224
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd206592328-523
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham206592439-1523
15Crystal Palace204972128-721
16Everton193881525-1017
17Wolverhampton WanderersWolves2044123145-1416
18Ipswich TownIpswich2037102035-1516
19Leicester CityLeicester2035122344-2114
20Southampton2013161244-326


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!